1989 Kawasaki GPX600R

Summary:

Old school fun bike with a bit of grunt to make you smile

Faults:

Since fixing the existing faults that it had when I bought it, the only fault that has surfaced are the front brakes sticking on and the cable for the clutch needed replacing.

General Comments:

This bike starts first go every time and rides smoothly at low revs, but get past 7000 RPM and it gets a new personality and pulls like a train.

I don't like the handling on the corners, as it feels like it may just fall over. You get used to it and can ride through it without problem, after some time on the machine to get experienced to how it feels.

A side wind will make for a fun ride to as it pushes you around. The choke is a bit fierce and takes a bit of getting used to as it revs the bike into 4K or 5K, so you have to try and hold the lever half way on and off.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th August, 2017

12th Jul 2024, 15:45

This is a fun bike even for “experienced” drivers! I’ve had my (heavy/fast) full European A license since 2010 and I needed a cheap daily work-home commuter, and my classic GPX600r from 1991 still gives me a smile every time I ride it!

1989 Kawasaki GPX600R

Summary:

Good

Faults:

On the whole it has been a good bike after I repaired all the problems it had from when I purchased it from the shop... I love riding it...

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th July, 2010

1993 Kawasaki GPX600R

Summary:

Well worth the money

Faults:

Right hand fork seal blew after about 500 miles.

General Comments:

Nice looking bike (in my opinion).

Ultra reliable. I bought it as a commuting hack for around 24,000 miles per annum. It's not garaged & is parked outside (under a cover). I can guarantee that I get on it, press the button & she bursts into life.

Handling is good, not up to a 21st century loony rocket, but enough for me.

Despite what the book says, it returns over 60 mpg (I know this as I check it - sad I know).

Handles the South Wales equivalent of Mad Max 2 (M4 outside Cardiff) with no worries & is as good at weaving in & out of the stationary cages as it is of sticking to 70mph going into work - honestly officer!

Only downside? Hands get frigging freezing - true it is Feb & there is snow on the ground, so what do I expect?

Rolls on from the throttle in top gear at 70 plenty quick enough to keep out of the way of the psychopaths in their BMW's.

Easy to work on, & chain the does seem to stretch. Time will tell how long the tyres last.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th February, 2007

1989 Kawasaki GPX600R

Summary:

20 year old technology (& it shows)

Faults:

Nothing really, it's just gutless (nothing wrong with the bike at all, just needs more power) & doesn't handle well enough.

Fine as a rainy day commuter, but distinctly lacking any sort of presence or character.

Rear suspension is far too hard even on the softest setting, front end is OK, but anti-dive wouldn't work.

Fitted braided hoses all round & got all the air out, but the brakes were still not that good (calipers were all stripped cleaned & freed off properly.)

Frontal area looks like a 250.

Tappets are a pig to adjust without a special tool.

General Comments:

Would I have another one?

No.

The handling (stiff rear shok aside) was OK, but it had a propensity to throw itself down a bit too quickly in a bend, which could be compared to a hot labrador flopping itself on the floor.

Even with good tyres, it runs out of tread on the rear if you try to corner faster than it wants to go.

A yawn factor of 7 if you want to try & keep up with the bigger boys.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 13th September, 2006

27th Dec 2006, 01:34

Try putting some air in the rear.